European airlines to increase hidden costs for passengers – with seats to be more expensive

SEVERAL airlines in Europe are set to bump up the price of their hidden costs with UK holidaymakers impacted by the measure.

British holidaymakers will be affected as UK routes won’t be an exception in the hike.

The Lufthansa Group covers Lufthansa, Eurowings Discover, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Swiss and Air Dolomiti.

And from the start of this month, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa and Swiss raised the cost of seat reservation prices.

Seat reservation prices aren’t often included in the initial price, making them a hidden charge to customers.

Most economy class passengers travelling on short-haul flights won’t be affected by the measure, with seat reservations for “regular seats” remaining free of charge.

However, anyone who wants to book certain seats like an extra legroom seat will now need to pay.

Meanwhile, holidaymakers flying on an Economy Light Fare on short and medium-haul flights will need to pay to have their assigned seat changed.

This means passengers will be issued an assigned seat for free but will have to pay for any changes.

A Lufthansa spokesperson has said assigned seats can be changed at an airport desk without a charge.

Those passengers travelling on medium and long-haul flights will also pay a fee if they want to pick their seats.

Just like on short-haul routes, seats will be assigned for free but holidaymakers will pay to change their seat reservation.

This amount will not be fixed. Instead, it will be based on factors like a passenger’s route and the type of seat they’d like to book, such as a regular seat compared to an extra legroom seat.

The cost of seat reservations will start at €14 (£11.70) but cost as much as €115 (£97) for economy passengers travelling on long-haul services.

Families travelling with children and groups of holidaymakers on a joint booking will be seated together where possible.

Earlier this year German carrier Lufthansa also increased the price of its flights by up to £60 in a bid to cover new EU regulations.

Lufthansa introduced an environmental charge of up to £60 to its fares.

Holidaymakers now have to splurge extra when flying from EU countries as well as Britain, Norway and Switzerland.

The increase will be effective as early as Wednesday but will cover flights starting from January 1, 2025, onwards.

EU regulations force airlines to use more sustainable jet fuel in a bid to reduce emissions, and subsequently, drive up costs.

The German airline said: “The surcharge is intended to cover part of the steadily rising additional costs due to regulatory environmental requirements.”

It comes as flight experts have warned travellers that plane tickets will likely skyrocket this summer.

A group of aviation industry leaders have revealed that worldwide inflation and jet fuel costs are significant factors in the price hike.

Earlier this year, Lufthansa has launched a new airline with routes across Europe, including Hanover, Düsseldorf, Bordeaux and Birmingham.

Holidaymakers in Birmingham will be able to fly directly to Munich when the new route takes to the skies tomorrow.

It comes after the German carrier scrapped all of its flights to a popular UK airport in February.

Lufthansa only started running flights between Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport and Frankfurt in May 2022.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

However, the route was scrapped, despite an increase in the number of flights between the two airports in the summer of 2023.

Meanwhile, Lufthansa will also be introducing “business class style” economy seats without the hefty price tag.

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